Papers by Carlos Morales-Aguilar
https://journals.openedition.org/jsa/20808
Ancient Mesoamerica, 2022
LiDAR coverage of a large contiguous area within the Mirador-Calakmul Karst Basin (MCKB) of north... more LiDAR coverage of a large contiguous area within the Mirador-Calakmul Karst Basin (MCKB) of northern Guatemala has identified a concentration of Preclassic Maya sites (ca. 1000 B.C.-A.D. 150) connected by causeways, forming a web of implied social, political, and economic interactions. This article is an introduction to one of the largest, contiguous, regional LiDAR studies published to date in the Maya Lowlands. More than 775 ancient Maya settlements are identified within the MCKB, and 189 more in the surrounding karstic ridge, which we condensed into 417 ancient cities, towns, and villages of at least six preliminary tiers based on surface area, volumetrics, and architectural configurations. Many tiered sites date to the Middle and Late Preclassic periods, as determined by archaeological testing, and volumetrics of contemporaneously constructed and/or occupied architecture with similar morphological characteristics. Monumental architecture, consistent architectural formats, specific site boundaries, water management/ collection facilities, and 177 km of elevated Preclassic causeways suggest labor investments that defy organizational capabilities of lesser polities and potentially portray the strategies of governance in the Preclassic period. Settlement distributions, architectural continuities, chronological contemporaneity, and volumetric considerations of sites provide evidence for early centralized administrative and socioeconomic strategies within a defined geographical region.
Ancient Mesoamerica, 2022
LiDAR coverage of a large contiguous area within the Mirador-Calakmul Karst Basin (MCKB) of north... more LiDAR coverage of a large contiguous area within the Mirador-Calakmul Karst Basin (MCKB) of northern Guatemala has identified a concentration of Preclassic Maya sites (ca. 1000 B.C.-A.D. 150) connected by causeways, forming a web of implied social, political, and economic interactions. This article is an introduction to one of the largest, contiguous, regional LiDAR studies published to date in the Maya Lowlands. More than 775 ancient Maya settlements are identified within the MCKB, and 189 more in the surrounding karstic ridge, which we condensed into 417 ancient cities, towns, and villages of at least six preliminary tiers based on surface area, volumetrics, and architectural configurations. Many tiered sites date to the Middle and Late Preclassic periods, as determined by archaeological testing, and volumetrics of contemporaneously constructed and/or occupied architecture with similar morphological characteristics. Monumental architecture, consistent architectural formats, specific site boundaries, water management/ collection facilities, and 177 km of elevated Preclassic causeways suggest labor investments that defy organizational capabilities of lesser polities and potentially portray the strategies of governance in the Preclassic period. Settlement distributions, architectural continuities, chronological contemporaneity, and volumetric considerations of sites provide evidence for early centralized administrative and socioeconomic strategies within a defined geographical region.
Si el famoso colapso maya ha siempre atraído la atención de los investigadores para entender sus ... more Si el famoso colapso maya ha siempre atraído la atención de los investigadores para entender sus causas profundas y sus consecuencias a todos niveles en la civilización maya (véase por ejemplo entre varios otros Aimers 2007; Culbert 1973; Demarest et al. 2004), no hay que olvidar que varias crisis "menores" atravesaron la historia de las ciudades mayas. Si la de 150 d.C. cobró importancia en los años recientes por sus repercusiones en las tierras bajas centrales en particular Haug et al. 2003;, no hay que subestimar las otras crisis, a veces poco perceptibles, que afectaron la vida de los sitios, ya sean de origen sociopolítica, económica, paleo-ambiental o de otra naturaleza. Para identificar tales crisis que afectaron, pero que no pusieron en peligro la ocupación de un sitio, la herramienta la más apropiada para el arqueólogo queda sin lugar a dudas el control de la cronología, el único medio que permite identificar fases de ruptura o de cambios rápidos en la sociedad, marcadores implícitos de fenómenos de crisis.
Book Chapters by Carlos Morales-Aguilar
The Real Business of Ancient Maya Economies: From Farmers' Fields to Rulers' Realms, 2020
Archaeological mapping, excavations, and investigations in 51 ancient cities of varying sizes in ... more Archaeological mapping, excavations, and investigations in 51 ancient cities of varying sizes in the Mirador Basin of northern Guatemala have revealed a variety of data relevant to the economic catalysts that were involved in the rise of social, political, and economic sophistication among the Preclassic Maya. New technologies recently implemented in the Mirador Basin and other areas of Mesoamerica are helping to reveal and understand the nature of sociopolitical structure and vital economies among early complex societies. It can be emphasized, though, that the real “business” of the early Maya dealt initially with agricultural productivity and the formation of an administrative centralized organization to deal with the lack of critical resources such as water. Importantly, a powerful distribution mechanism developed in the form of a sophisticated causeway system to distribute goods and commodities and facilitate unification among a web of sites in the Mirador Basin. The initial formation and success of these kick-starting administrative formations led to a variety of other economic indicators such as the importation of exotic shells, domestic fauna, obsidian, jade, basalt, granite, coral, ceramics, and other lithic tools. These exchanges demonstrate the varying degrees of social and economic power that provided the foundations of rank, status, and functional requirements during the rise of Maya civilization.
Millenary Maya Societies: Past Crises and Resilience, 2013
Si el famoso colapso maya ha siempre atraído la atención de los investigadores para entender sus ... more Si el famoso colapso maya ha siempre atraído la atención de los investigadores para entender sus causas profundas y sus consecuencias a todos niveles en la civilización maya (véase por ejemplo entre varios otros Aimers 2007; Culbert 1973; Demarest et al. 2004), no hay que olvidar que varias crisis "menores" atravesaron la historia de las ciudades mayas. Si la de 150 d.C. cobró importancia en los años recientes por sus repercusiones en las tierras bajas centrales en particular Haug et al. 2003;, no hay que subestimar las otras crisis, a veces poco perceptibles, que afectaron la vida de los sitios, ya sean de origen sociopolítica, económica, paleo-ambiental o de otra naturaleza. Para identificar tales crisis que afectaron, pero que no pusieron en peligro la ocupación de un sitio, la herramienta la más apropiada para el arqueólogo queda sin lugar a dudas el control de la cronología, el único medio que permite identificar fases de ruptura o de cambios rápidos en la sociedad, marcadores implícitos de fenómenos de crisis.
Conference Papers by Carlos Morales-Aguilar
CIST2020 Proceedings : Population, temps, territoires | Population, Time, Territories | Población, tiempo, territorios, 2020
In the centre of the Mayan Lowlands, several scientific and technical obstacles hinder the unders... more In the centre of the Mayan Lowlands, several scientific and technical obstacles hinder the understanding of long-term socio-environmental dynamics, at the scale of the territories of the cities. The study of the socio-ecosystem of Naachtun, a Maya city of the Classic period, is not exempt from these constraints. How did natural resources (water, soil and living resources) along with management strategies change, in the past in the territory of this city, with special respect to climate, social demands and relation with nature of the ancient Mayas? What were the associated socio-environmental risks and how did the resilience of the socio-ecosystem change? In order to answer these questions by removing these obstacles, new systemic, interdisciplinary and multiscalar, methodological research is being implemented (geoarchaeology, archaeogeography, palaeoecology, archaeobotany, archaeozoology and geochronology). Preliminary results reveal the complexity of the Mayan palimpsest territories produced during the ~ 1500 BCE-1000 CE period and inform the cross dynamics of hydrosystems, agrosystems and sociosystems.
XXVIII Simposio de Investigaciones Arqueológicas en Guatemala 2014
Durante la época Preclásica, El Mirador fungió como uno de los centros más grandes de las Tierras... more Durante la época Preclásica, El Mirador fungió como uno de los centros más grandes de las Tierras Bajas y alcanzó un elevado nivel de sofisticación social. Para comprender cómo El Mirador pudo alcanzar tal desarrollo es necesario ver hacia los suburbios en donde se resguardan los vestigios de una extensa ocupación. Los suburbios están configurados por una red de calzadas que debían atravesar extensos bajos para permitir la comunicación entre varios sectores ceremoniales y habitacionales. Los resultados de las investigaciones han demostrado que existen asentamientos desde el período Preclásico Medio hasta el Clásico Terminal, y que a lo largo del tiempo variaron los usos y funciones de cada asentamiento mostrando arreglos espaciales muy diferentes entre sí. Entre los asentamientos más importantes tenemos a Sacalero, Pedernal, Los Faisanes y La Muerta, los cuales junto con otros sitios conforman este estudio que dará a conocer la escala de ocupación que alcanzó El Mirador en el pasado prehispánico.
XXX SIMPOSIO DE INVESTIGACIONES ARQUEOLOGICAS EN GUATEMALA, 2016
La naturaleza de las interacciones entre la elite y los comunitarios ha sido un tema poco abordad... more La naturaleza de las interacciones entre la elite y los comunitarios ha sido un tema poco abordado en la arqueología maya. Durante el período Clásico (150-950 d.C.), la Cuenca Mirador experimentó varios cambios en términos culturales, sociales, políticos y económicos derivados de eventos importantes que ocurrieron después del colapso de El Mirador hacia el 150 d.C. Las investigaciones recientes en los sitios de la Cuenca Mirador ofrecen datos claves para la comprensión de la interacción entre las comunidades rurales y los centros urbanos. Este fenómeno ocurrió principalmente en una época marcada por un aumento significativo de la población entre el 600 y el 800 d.C. Existen varios asentamientos que pudieron haber sido lugares de producción de bienes al servicio de los grupos elitistas. En este sentido, la presente ponencia pretende discutir la naturaleza de estas relaciones y, sobre todo, indagar en la reconstrucción de la organización territorial del período Clásico.
XXVI Simposio de Investigaciones Arqueológicas en Guatemala 2012, Jul 2013
During the Classic period, El Mirador had a resettlement in many of the main architectural compou... more During the Classic period, El Mirador had a resettlement in many of the main architectural compounds built in the Preclassic, forming new residential units with concentric patterns. During the Tepeu 2 phase, the political center of El Mirador was located in the Danta Complex, finding monumental architecture and other objects belonging to elite groups. At the same time, inside and around the ancient city, multiple structures were built reflecting a high range in hierarchy among that society. From the settlement patterns studies, the establishment forms, the territorial organization and the material life of the population will be discussed as also their cultural features that will allow us to get inside the history of the Classic times at this enigmatic city.
At the end of the first field season (April-May 2010), and after completing the analysis of data ... more At the end of the first field season (April-May 2010), and after completing the analysis of data and materials recollected, we were able to define three main lines of investigation for the next four years. The first topic deals with the study of the processes that led to the constitution of an agglomeration in Group B of no less than 38 residential patios dating from the Late and Terminal Classic periods. Another theme of research is the understanding of the stability of changing trough time of seat of power. But here, we will expose the third line of investigation related to economy: all materials recovered during the first two field seasons clearly indicate that Naachtun had access during a long time to a large quantity and variety of goods and products, and this is significant when we try to understand the different aspects of the economy of this major Center.
Multidisciplinary studies over nearly three decades in the Mirador Basin have revealed data on it... more Multidisciplinary studies over nearly three decades in the Mirador Basin have revealed data on its settlement, interaction and trade, politics, economy, and ecology, which help to understand some of the cultural and natural processes in this complex zone during the Preclassic and Classic periods. A synthesis of archaeological, geological, epigraphic, botanical, biological, ceramic, and topographic studies in the area demonstrates the cultural splendor associated with the origins, development, and cultural process of the first Maya state and cultural and environmental consequences of its precocious flowering in the Preclassic. The result of this development and abandonment in the zone had a strong impact on much of the Maya world.
For more than a century, the city of Calakmul was ruled by the Kanu’l dynasty, being one of the m... more For more than a century, the city of Calakmul was ruled by the Kanu’l dynasty, being one of the most powerful political entities of the Late Classic period. However, the Kanu’l seem to have arrived at Calakmul only around AD 600. This paper is concerned with the inner social dynamics of the Kanu’l dynasty, considering their mobility and their discourses of origin. Moreover, we will discuss the evidence for the presence of other dominant lineages —contemporary and previous— at Calakmul and other subordinate sites, and we propose a model for an improved understanding of interdynastic dynamics in the Classic period.
XXVII Simposio de Investigaciones Arqueológicas en Guatemala 2013, Jul 2014
The 2013 season of Proyecto Naachtun marks a gradual shift in the research issues about time peri... more The 2013 season of Proyecto Naachtun marks a gradual shift in the research issues about time periods and aspects less understood at the date. This paper will focus on the Early Classic period, when the site has been set, and will deal with the results of the different operations developed both in the monumental core and the periphery. Particular attention will be given to the Late Classic elite residences, especially in the Group B. Finally, in 2013, the first results of the epigraphic works will be given, to explain the political history and relate archaeology and inscriptions. Finally, we will try to offer a complete view of the results obtained both in the field and in laboratory.
XXVI Simposio de Investigaciones Arqueológicas en Guatemala 2012, Jul 2013
The Mirador Basin is notable for its extensive network of inter-regional and intra-site causeways... more The Mirador Basin is notable for its extensive network of inter-regional and intra-site causeways. Recent archaeological investigations and environmental studies conducted by the Mirador Basin project have brought to light new evidence that suggests practical, multi-functional aspects of the system such as its social importance and ceremonial functions. This paper considers how the ancient inhabitants of El Mirador, the principal city of the Basin, utilized the inter-site and intra-site causeways for commerce, communication, transport, military movements, and regional political control. The function of hydraulic control consisted in the ability to impound and regulate rainwater on a regional level across seasonal wetlands known locally as bajos, as well as the probable diversion and control of water for agricultural uses. Infrastructure projects and construction on a grand scale, which included inter-site and intra-site causeways, served to regulate and restrict access of citizens and elites within their new built-environment. Monuments, altar-stela complexes, and decorative art associated with the causeways suggests their past use for public rituals as well as private events of commemorative nature related to the history of creation known as the Popol Vuh.
The archaeological studies in the Mirador Basin have focused on understanding the origin, develop... more The archaeological studies in the Mirador Basin have focused on understanding the origin, development and collapse of the Preclassic Maya civilization, together with the conservation and preservation of the archaeological sites and their natural surroundings. This presentation will introduce the studies of the 2004 season that increased our knowledge of these natural and cultural processes. The mapping of the site’s central section continued using a total station. This offered a site perspective never seen before. Also, part of the archaeological work consisted of testing sites in the West Group in which there is data showing some evidence for the site’s collapse happening at the end of the Late Classic period. Furthermore, excavation pits at the main steps of Structure 34 show the singular importance of this building in the past and indicates the importance of implementing new means of conserving and consolidating Preclassic buildings.
Excavations carried out at La Muerta, El Mirador, include final work on Structures A1 and A2 where important information was obtained relating to the building’s architecture. Structure A2 was confirmed as being Early Classic with a network of passages allowing access to the inner funerary rooms for subsequent generations. Furthermore, the existence of a third level to the building was proved, smaller in dimension but with the same system of passages. Structure A1, beside A2, revealed important information about its function such as the existence of heads modeled in stucco in the upper room of the building. The presence of these heads suggests a representation of faces of Preclassic ancestors, implying a ritual function relating the location of these two structures in La Muerta.
The 2004 field season also produced final results in the consolidation and restoration accomplished in El Mirador, rescuing Preclassic and Classic buildings that were in imminent danger of collapse. The final process of architectural consolidation work at El Mirador implemented a vanguard methodology for the conservation of the buildings as well as the stucco artwork which allows at the same time the showing of Preclassic Maya architecture for educational and tourism purposes. This methodology proposes unique measures to date, using the same Prehispanic techniques and material, following a rigorous program of execution and monitoring. The preliminary results have shown very satisfactory evidence.
The first cities of the Mirador Basin were created by means of a complex sociopolitical and ideol... more The first cities of the Mirador Basin were created by means of a complex sociopolitical and ideological system. This aspect is expressed in the organization of its buildings and spatial configuration. Certain patterns of architectural groups that were defined for the Classic period Maya have their antecedents in the Preclassic. Nakbe and El Mirador were some of the most important sites during the Maya Preclassic period, in which numerous distribution and association patterns shaping large architectural groups have been discovered. Within this architectural variation, notable and precise locations of the monumental groups were found; in addition, the urban design of Nakbe and El Mirador shows a definite orientation and distribution along an east-west axis. These patterns are verifiably common in the Mirador Basin. Both sites present a new panorama for understanding settlement patterns of the ancient Maya in the Preclassic period.
The Valley of Guatemala was populated from the earliest times. The first inhabitants of the valle... more The Valley of Guatemala was populated from the earliest times. The first inhabitants of the valley were located around the Miraflores Lake, the waters of Las Charcas, Amatitlán Lake, and the El Naranjo Lagoon. Construction of clay platforms and mounds seems to have begun in the Las Charcas phase. This paper presents the results of the mapping of the site, evaluating the layout of its structures. To this, other elements are added that complement the spatial arrangement at the site.
Uploads
Papers by Carlos Morales-Aguilar
Book Chapters by Carlos Morales-Aguilar
Conference Papers by Carlos Morales-Aguilar
Excavations carried out at La Muerta, El Mirador, include final work on Structures A1 and A2 where important information was obtained relating to the building’s architecture. Structure A2 was confirmed as being Early Classic with a network of passages allowing access to the inner funerary rooms for subsequent generations. Furthermore, the existence of a third level to the building was proved, smaller in dimension but with the same system of passages. Structure A1, beside A2, revealed important information about its function such as the existence of heads modeled in stucco in the upper room of the building. The presence of these heads suggests a representation of faces of Preclassic ancestors, implying a ritual function relating the location of these two structures in La Muerta.
The 2004 field season also produced final results in the consolidation and restoration accomplished in El Mirador, rescuing Preclassic and Classic buildings that were in imminent danger of collapse. The final process of architectural consolidation work at El Mirador implemented a vanguard methodology for the conservation of the buildings as well as the stucco artwork which allows at the same time the showing of Preclassic Maya architecture for educational and tourism purposes. This methodology proposes unique measures to date, using the same Prehispanic techniques and material, following a rigorous program of execution and monitoring. The preliminary results have shown very satisfactory evidence.
Excavations carried out at La Muerta, El Mirador, include final work on Structures A1 and A2 where important information was obtained relating to the building’s architecture. Structure A2 was confirmed as being Early Classic with a network of passages allowing access to the inner funerary rooms for subsequent generations. Furthermore, the existence of a third level to the building was proved, smaller in dimension but with the same system of passages. Structure A1, beside A2, revealed important information about its function such as the existence of heads modeled in stucco in the upper room of the building. The presence of these heads suggests a representation of faces of Preclassic ancestors, implying a ritual function relating the location of these two structures in La Muerta.
The 2004 field season also produced final results in the consolidation and restoration accomplished in El Mirador, rescuing Preclassic and Classic buildings that were in imminent danger of collapse. The final process of architectural consolidation work at El Mirador implemented a vanguard methodology for the conservation of the buildings as well as the stucco artwork which allows at the same time the showing of Preclassic Maya architecture for educational and tourism purposes. This methodology proposes unique measures to date, using the same Prehispanic techniques and material, following a rigorous program of execution and monitoring. The preliminary results have shown very satisfactory evidence.